Arctic Adventure Overseas Challenge

Are you ready to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge in the breathtaking landscapes of Finland while supporting SAMH?

In partnership with Discover Adventure, we’re heading on a 5-day Arctic extravaganza from March 4th to 8th 2026, and we want you to participate!

This will be a challenge like no other! Check out our itinerary below:

Day 1: Fly Glasgow to Kuusamo

Fly to Finland and arrive in Kuusamo, in north-eastern Finland. A major centre for winter sports, Kuusamo is surrounded by beautiful unspoilt scenery. We drive through these seemingly endless snow-covered landscapes to our comfortable cabin near Hossa. After settling in, we will have an evening meal before heading off to bed in our night cabin

Day 2: Cross-Country Skiing

We have a full in-country briefing about the adventures ahead, and then after kitting up thoroughly, learn the basics of cross-country skiing – one of the most popular winter hobbies in Finland.

A relatively short tour through the flat pine forest and frozen lakes tests what we’ve learned; it’s common to see reindeer here, so keep your eyes peeled! After this we can head out on one of the well-prepared ski tracks – some are easy, some harder and hillier; so choose a suitable level. Time and energy-levels permitting, we then start making quinzees – a type of igloo – before relaxing back at the cabin, where the sauna will soothe any aching muscles!

Day 3: Snowshoeing

After another short introduction, we set off from the cabin in our snowshoes, following a route through beautiful snow-covered forests of pine and spruce. The landscapes are magical, and the silence of our surroundings, broken only by the crunch of the snow and our laughter, adds to the atmosphere.

We break for a picnic lunch around an open fire, then continue our invigorating journey. Back at the cabin, we finish our quinzees – anyone wanting to sleep in them overnight can do so – and there’s even the opportunity to try ice swimming! The sauna beckons again tonight, and we’ll be hoping to see the magical Northern Lights.

Day 4: Husky-sledding

We drive to our husky farm near Kuusamo, where we meet our intelligent, enthusiastic and very photogenic teams of huskies! After learning a little about the dogs, we have an introduction to sled-driving and set off! Pairing up, we take it in turns to drive while our sled buddy enjoys the ride!

The dogs will be excited when they sense a run, but when everybody is ready to go they suddenly go quiet as they set off through the frozen wilderness. The trail takes us through snow-white forests and frozen lakes, and the day is a truly memorable highlight of our adventure!

Late afternoon we head to our hotel, where we can celebrate our Arctic achievements.

Day 5: Fly Kuusamo to Glasgow

Early start for the drive to the airport for our journey home.

Please note - The order of activities may change depending on local conditions and logistics

Keep in mind that this is a challenge, and many people will find elements of the trip difficult at times, whether it is the physical challenge, changing weather, ice cold temperatures, the difference in culture or something else. As a team we will be there to support each other!

What's included in the 5 day trip?

• Scheduled return flights from Glasgow
• All accommodation in cabins (4-6)
• All in-country transport
• Most meals (exceptions detailed in itinerary)
• Trek leader
• Local guides, cooks, drivers etc
• 24-hour emergency UK back-up

To take part in this amazing adventure, a non-refundable registration fee of £299 must be paid to Discover Adventure through the link provided by SAMH.

As this is a fundraising challenge, please note that each participant is required to raise a minimum of £3,700 for Scotland’s mental health.

But don’t worry, a dedicated SAMH fundraiser will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your target.

Places for this challenge are limited so get in touch with the fundraising team today at fundraising@samh.org.uk

We can’t wait to go on this epic adventure with you!